Bird Surveys
Comprehensive nesting & breeding bird surveys to keep your project on track.
Protect nesting and breeding birds while keeping your project moving forwards with detailed and efficient bird surveys by aLyne Ecology. Get your quote today for clear, evidence-based reporting and informed ecological guidance from our team.
What is a bird survey?
Bird surveys are ecological assessments which identify the presence of nesting, breeding or wintering birds and determine how proposed development might affect them.
All wild birds, their nests and their eggs are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) in the UK.
If deemed necessary, a bird survey will be undertaken to establish whether protected birds are present, informing planning, appropriate timing or the need for mitigation measures.
Survey findings will provide clear evidence to support your planning application and ensure ecological responsibilities are met on-site, with the aim of protecting the welfare of any protected birds.
Bird surveys we offer.
- Nesting bird checks
- Breeding bird surveys
Nesting Bird Checks
In a nutshell
- Seasonality: March to August
- Survey type: Field survey
- Report validity: 48 hours
About Nesting Bird Checks
Nesting Bird Checks identify any active bird nests present on a proposed development site, which could be disturbed by works. During the survey, a team of ecologists will actively search for nests and observe nesting behaviour.
Checks are usually recommended as a result of a Preliminary Ecological Assessment (PEA), particularly if development works involve the removal of vegetation during bird nesting season (March to August), or if the proposals are likely to impact habitats which could support birds of conservation concern.
Survey seasonality
Bird nesting season runs from March to August, dictating survey seasonality. Checks are usually conducted at dawn, and no more than 48 hours prior to the commencement of site clearance.
Project outcomes
No matter the results of your nesting bird survey, our team of experienced ecologists will provide clear evidence for planning applications and suggested next steps:
If an active bird’s nest is discovered, vegetation clearance must be carried out without disturbing the nest.
Recommendations may involve cordoning off an area around the nest or delaying elements of development until the young have successfully fledged.
Your project team will deliver a report written to the latest CIEEM standards, which can inform planning and licensing applications.
Breeding Bird Surveys
In a nutshell
- Seasonality: March to early July
- Survey type: Desk study, field survey
- Report lead time: 2–3 working days (from survey completion)
- Report validity: 12-18 months
About Breeding Bird Surveys
A Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) assesses the territories and species of breeding birds on a proposed development site, informing the mitigation hierarchy if potential detrimental impacts are identified. A BBS is typically recommended after an initial scoping survey (such as a PEA) or requested by the local planning authority.
Breeding Bird Surveys are conducted in three parts: a desk study, field surveys and an evaluation/impact assessment.
Project outcomes
A BBS will provide detailed ecological guidance to understand how breeding birds are using a site and how your development may affect them. Project outcomes may include:
Identification of breeding birds on site, including species present and their breeding status.
Assessment of potential impacts on breeding populations and the necessary steps to mitigate them, applying the mitigation hierarchy.
Robust evidence and reporting to support planning submissions, and clear recommendations for next steps, project timing and further assessment.
When is a bird survey required?
If proposed works are likely to affect nesting or breeding birds, a bird survey may be required to assess risk to protected species and inform planning applications and mitigation measures.
Typical cases include:
- A Preliminary Ecological Assessment (PEA) study indicates that bird surveys are necessary to comply with legal obligations and ecological responsibilities ahead of development.
- Vegetation clearance, tree works or demolition are proposed during the bird nesting season.
- Proposed development may affect habitats used by breeding birds, such as woodland, hedgerows, scrub or grassland.
- A local planning authority requests bird survey evidence to determine the outcome of a planning application.
When can bird surveys be performed?
The timing of your bird survey will depend on the study being undertaken, guided by the nesting, breeding and wintering seasons.
Optimal Survey Season
Sub-Optimal Survey Season
Survey Not Possible
Nesting Birds
Breeding Birds
Wintering Birds
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Our bird survey process
Every bird survey we conduct is delivered with both your project and wider ecological responsibility in mind. Our friendly, experienced team will support you from start to finish.
01
Contact us for a quote
Reach out to our team to discuss your project or recommendations from a PEA survey. We’ll respond with a competitive quote within 24 hours of your request.
02
Bird survey & assessment
Depending on the survey required, we’ll use existing data and conduct field surveys to gather evidence on the presence of breeding or nesting birds and the ecological risk of your development.
03
Report delivery
Our team will deliver a detailed report and assessment aligned with the latest standards and guidelines, suitable to inform planning and development licence applications.
01
Contact us for a quote
Reach out to our team to discuss your project or recommendations from a PEA survey. We’ll respond with a competitive quote within 24 hours of your request.
02
Bird survey & assessment
Depending on the survey required, we’ll use existing data and conduct field surveys to gather evidence on the presence of breeding or nesting birds and the ecological risk of your development.
03
Report delivery
Our team will deliver a detailed report and assessment aligned with the latest standards and guidelines, suitable to inform planning and development licence applications.
Project outcomes for bird surveys
Bird surveys help establish how and when your works can proceed without causing harm to nesting or breeding birds, ensuring ecological responsibility and compliance with wildlife legislation. The outcomes of your survey may include:
- An understanding of bird presence and activity, including breeding, foraging and movement patterns.
- Clear confirmation of active nests at the time of the survey, defining next steps for responsible vegetation clearance.
- Advice on suitable timing of works, including whether activities can proceed immediately or if elements should be delayed.
- Detailed, site-specific reporting for planning applications, ensuring projects will be carried out responsibly and legally.
Please note: Any additional survey or mitigation work required after the initial survey would be scoped and quoted accordingly, and discussed with you before proceeding.
Get a bird survey quote
Work with a team that cares about your project’s success as well as safeguarding ecological responsibility. Our bird surveys bring clarity and certainty to decisions and planning applications, ensuring compliance and efficiency.
Get in touch with us to discuss your site and receive clear guidance that moves your project forward.
Contact details
info@alyneecology.co.ukGet a bird survey quote
Work with a team that cares about your project’s success as well as safeguarding ecological responsibility. Our bird surveys bring clarity and certainty to decisions and planning applications, ensuring compliance and efficiency.
Get in touch with us to discuss your site and receive clear guidance that moves your project forward.